When Loren Legarda entered the national political scene, by running for senator in the 1998 elections under the Lakas-NUCD-UMDP party, she became the darling of the press, a whiff of fresh air in a stale atmosphere of politics and a great inspiration to the women in this country.

She was seen as an epitome of a new politician – young, pretty, popular, intelligent, articulate and oozing with vim, vigor and idealism.

All these attributes were noted by millions of Filipinos who made sure she won and she did, winning big on her first try by topping the 1998 senatorial race by over 15 million votes.

It was an auspicious beginning for Loren. She did well her homework. Her accomplishments during her first term were remarkable. She earned the respect of her colleagues.

As her stature grew in the senate and as the influence of her position carried more weight, she became more ambitious.

Her ultimate goal was the Presidency, one could sense it. She unveiled herself as one woman- politician in a hurry to move up.

In 2003, Loren quit the administration party, Lakas, to join the opposition Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) of Fernando Poe, Jr., where in 2004 elections, she became KNP’s vice presidential candidate.

She found a more worthy nemesis in Noli de Castro, a former colleague at ABS-CBN, who beat her by 800,000 votes.  She filed an electoral protest before the Supreme Court, which was later thrown out.

Loren’s loss to the de Castro was an ignominious blow to her ego, that in her desire to get back at her erstwhile associate, she entered into a one-upmanship competition with de Castro which cheapen her value and eventually took the dazzle from her allure, marring her record and reputation.

Not having a party of her own where she could have grown roots, Loren joined the Genuine Opposition party coalition when she run for the senate in 2007.

Although she topped the 2007 senatorial race again, she was now being labeled a political butterfly, a political opportunist and a political chameleon, for her ability to jump and change ‘coats’ wherever the best of political convenience fits her.

Loren was on the side that wanted ex-Pres. Joseph Estrada nailed during his impeachment trial, yet became Estrada’s docile follower, hoping to be anointed when she had ambitions first to run for president in 2010. Estrada instead declared himself a presidential candidate.

Loren’s alluring ways have diminished so badly that even the Nationalists People’s Coalition (NPC), the party under which she had a see-saw battle with Chiz Escudero, as to who would become its standard bearer, ended up not endorsing any of them.

Finally, after ‘hunting’ for a partner and a long soul-searching, Loren Legarda has “cast her luck” with Nacionalista Party (NP) president Manny Villar, becoming the latter’s running mate.

What a circuitous route it took Loren to find her niche in the race!

It must have been hard swallowing the bitter pill of pride from being instrumental in ousting Sen. Manny Villar as Senate President and being a critic, not to long ago, of  his alleged misconduct, in relation to the C-5 road controversy, only to turn around and embrace Villar’s political mission and vision.

Loren Legarda, once again found the convenience of changing her ‘coat,’ for the nth time!

Product of the country’s democracy? C’mon!!

When the King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe, Jr., was brazenly cheated in the 2004 Philippine National Elections, I swore to myself that I’ll never ever vote again. And I proudly tell this to everybody I meet who talks about politics.

But that’s one reason why the infamous adage “promises are made to be broken” was conceptualized. I think I have to eat my humble pie — I have to vote in the upcoming 2010 Philippine National Elections. I’ll do this not because my faith in the electoral process has returned. I’m doing this for a friend. And I believe this friend’s sincerity in his words. His “San Pedro 2020″ vision is something that is promising and truly beneficial not only to his constituents in San Pedro, but something that all Lagunenses would be proud of.

I’m beginning to sound biased here. OK. So be it. But all I can say is this: like the way I chose my preferred candidates last 2004, I’ll go for the “lesser evil” in next year’s elections.

Besides, if politics is corrupt, local governments are less corrupt compared to the national government based in Malacañang Palace.

So to all those who want to waste their precious time, or to those who still have faith left in the electoral process, tomorrow is your last chance to register. Me and my wife went to the municipio this morning to register. But we were surprised by what we saw…

San Pedro, Laguna's Municipal staff attending to those who would like to become registered voters for next year's highly anticipated national elections.

Each San Pedrense is waiting for his/her turn to register because this is the second to the last day for registration.

The long queue. Tomorrow's the last day for registration.

The final days of registration are always crowded. Ang mga Filipino nga namán...

Wait a minute… tomorrow’s the last day to register. But something’s cooking in the Pacific…

Nature vs... politics?!

Typhoon Santi! Nature must be doing everything it can to delay next year’s elections. If it be true, I wonder why? (and I wonder why even wondered, LOL!).

Special thanks to mi amor, Yeyette Perey de Alas, FILIPINO eSCRIBBLES’ photographer for the day.

Cousin Mayette and I just had to go to our last destination after covering much of Ilocandia. It seems that every year, during summer there has been a place that we try to discover within the Philippines. Last year, it was the carved boondocks of Banaue, and then this year, it was the heritage places of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

It was imperative to go this area as our last stop, not necessarily antiquated by the colonial past, but spectacular just the same. It was the La Paz Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte. These hilly sands are just outside of Laoag City, thus after our quick tour of the Provincial Museum of Ilocos Norte, we had to look for a tricycle that should take us there.

“Mama, puwede bang dalhin mo kami sa La Paz sand dunes (Sir, can you drive us to La Paz Sand Dunes)?”I asked the trike driver who happened to passby.

The driver just responded with a quizzical look, not exactly knowing the place that I was referring to. Mayette had to intervene, and asked almost the same question but in a different manner, “Manong, saan po ba nagshooting si FPJ ng Ang Panday (Sir, where did FPJ shoot Ang Panday)?”

The trike driver recognized her question right away and was able to readily answer, “Malayo po yon, P300 daan po. (That’s far, P300 pesos for the fare)”

 We had no choice but to consent with the seemingly huge expense, despite the very uncomfortable ride inside his cab. We agreed with one trike driver in Vigan, Ilocos Sur as he had boasted that tricycle cabs in Vigan are much roomier, and can comfortably seat two adults. The ones in Ilocos Norte aresquat-like and small in proportion thus we had to squeeze ourselves inside the cab going to the dunes.

Panday and the Dunes. It was about a 15 minute ride from the busy streets of Laoag until we reached the place that was bucolic in character – dry, dusty, and sparse in residential homes. There was just one rough road, covered with seeming dust all over, and somehow was occasionally used. The place was desolate, but turned out to be the just the entry point to a more expansive locale, with mounds of fine sand all over, light khaki in shade, with thin layers of wild vegetation growing randomly. At this juncture, we had to get off the tricycle, and had the wide vista for ourselves.

Suddenly my mind had this vision of the iconic movie of “Da King” himself, the late and almost president, Fernando Poe, Jr or FPJ (for short) as had mentioned in Mayette’s query to the driver. In the epic series of all the movie installments (3) of “Ang Panday (The Blacksmith),” I would watch FPJ as the highly principled, Flavio, brooding and making a trek in this hilly area of La Paz, trying to find his arch nemesis, Lizardo, played by the unforgettable contrabida (movie goon), the late Max Alvarado.

The scale of the whole dunes brought about also the hugeness of the main characters to the moviegoers – both the good and the bad. La Paz Sand Dunes provided a striking backdrop to the fight sequences, usually sword battles, between the protagonist and antagonist together with his cohorts. It had been an impressive choice by FPJ who doubled as the director to employ the whole La Paz dunes as an important feature to the movie.  Its dryness and barrenness created a dramatic emphasis on the richness of Flavio and Lizardo’s personas. Since these outstanding and highly popular movies were made, the landscape of La Paz has become truly iconic – as if the whole breadth of the place was the third most important personality in such films.

Other notable movies which had the dunes as part of the backdrop were Nora Aunor’s Himala and Tom Cruise’s Born on the 4th of July.

Wind Power. My visualization of such films was cut short by a key question. “How did this happen?” Mayette asked, still dumbfounded by the powerful and poetic undulations of the dunes.

No one could answer it, not even the trike driver who was patiently waiting for us to crawl back to our little trike hole. Of course we would rather be enjoying the virtual limitless space of the desert where occasional boulders and strange looking trees were almost thoughtfully placed.

But if one is to research the internet, we can find out that dunes are basically formed by the incoming wind within perhaps eons of years. The geographic location of the La Paz area is just right beside the deep blue waters of the South China Sea and the winds coming from the coast push up the sand very slowly to create the dunes that can be used as protective barriers to wave surges coming in also from the sea.

And truly we saw the coastal line of the South China Sea running parallel to the extensive sand dunes of La Paz. It was a little too far from where we are, but we saw a couple of all terrain vehicles or ATVs that saunter at the beach front area. Apparently, the provincial tourism officials, together with the Department of Tourism promote the dunes to those wanting to explore a unique Philippine geophysical formation, supposedly only found in the province of Ilocos Norte, and have fun, driving through its atypical topography with such rides. It is said that one can rent out such ATVs also inside the premises of the exclusive Hotel Ilocandia nearby where a smaller portion of the sand dunes are found too.

Footprints in the Sand. During the heat of the midday sun, we decided to climb a high portion of the area, but our feet would sink into the loose ground, thus the ascent was a little bit tricky. Not really able to get to the peak, we chose to go back as we feared that the unusual afternoon showers even during the height of summer would stall our early evening bus departure for Metro Manila.

As I was just about to get out of the sands, I just had to make a last look back at the foot imprints Mayette and I had made. And I pointed out these tracks to Mayette. It was our trail from the high point where we came from. We knew that in due time such prints would be obliterated eventually by the winds coming from the China Sea, but I was deeply aware that such footprints symbolized also the tracks of all the interesting points of the Ilocos Region that we had been able to visit. We might have been gone to many remarkable and historical places within Ilocos, and the physical traces of our visit would have been wiped away thereafter, yet our memories of these places, including the La Paz Sand Dunes would never be erased for many years to come.

Or when you want to give, give!

Yes, the intention was probably good (personally, I doubt that though).

Willie Revillame pledged last September 28 a million-peso cash donation to “Ondoy” victims upon the on-air coaxing of ABS-CBN anchors Kim Atienza and Tina Monzon-Palma. The operative term is coaxing.

“Ako po ay nag-a-announce lang,” he said, laughing. After which he backtracked, saying, “Napasubo na e, inano na, e, binanggit mo na ako e (grinning), from my heart, galing po sa akin, 1 million, 1 million na mineral water(laughs) hindi… cash, 1 million cash.”

He’s also busy announcing that “kami nga ni Senator Villar” have been tireless in delivering relief goods to the needy.

Clearly his chastisement hasn’t slapped him enough. He hasn’t clearly learned his lesson. Or he’s just tasteless – plain and simple.

Here are people, those who need help, who should be treated like people. Nobody is supplicating, this is not “Wowowee”, nobody is waiting upon his (rather his network’s and / or benefactor’s) generosity.

The last thing we need is to see politics mix with relief.

People in position and authority who steal donations or take credit for other people’s deeds should be shot thrice.

I am reminded of an anecdote about the late Fernando Poe Jr.

After he died on Dec. 14, 2004, they did an inventory of his things. In one bodega, they found cartons of relief goods that were meant to be delivered to Infanta, Quezon. Infanta had been buried in mudslides a couple of weeks before his death.

FPJ was distinct with his operations. While most are busy announcing their deeds (printing “Tulong mula kay ________ (fill your favourite politician’s name in the blank)”, he was very strict about his only condition – that his contributions remain anonymous. His people would swear later he would not hear of it. He gave strict orders for the relief goods to be unmarked and just sent where needed.

That is class.

Class is something that is unbounded by social status. You may have a mall in your name, you may be arrogantly bragging about your capacity to buy a private jet, but class is something that you can’t buy. Either you’re a class act, or just plain tasteless and rude.

PS: There have been a lot of rumours in the gossip mill about the mis-allocated calamity and disaster relief fund being spent in PGMA’s trips and dinners, this is actually an excellent opportunity for Malacanang to show that the official funds are existing, contrary to the propaganda being released by the opposition.

Everybody, channel Jerry Maguire.

Show me the money. Show us the money.

Will Senator Pánfilo Lacson spill the beans on Monday?

Are those beans any good at all?

What's he really up too?

Earlier in the Senate, Lacson said he would reveal the true character of Estrada as a public servant in a privilege speech on Monday.

“Ano ba talaga si Joseph Ejercito Estrada bilang isang government official? Lahat ng catotohanan ang sasabihin co don at itó’y patutunayan co rín (I’ll reveal what kind of government official Joseph Estrada was. I can prove everything that I will say),” Lacson told reporters.

Lacson was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the short-lived Estrada presidency. Both were implicated in the killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

Estrada was ousted from office in 2001 amid allegations of corruption. Both him and Lacson have repeatedly denied involvement in the Dacer-Corbito case.

Many questions arose…

Has Lacson finally sided with the hated Arroyo government due to pressure from the Dacer-Corbito allegations?

Is this some sort of payback? Remember that Lacson was in a way slighted when Estrada chose legendary icon Fernando Poe, Jr. instead of him to be the opposition’s main man in the controversial 2004 Philippine National Elections.

Many people are still wondering why Lacson suddenly dropped his presidential bid for the 2010 Philippine National Elections. And now he leaves political analysts in suspense due to that “Monday bombshell”. The timing is so suspect… could it be true that he’s the one who’s sleeping with the enemy and not Estrada?

Estrada dared Lacson to drop the bomb. Why does the deposed leader sound a bit unfriendly? For all we know, maybe Lacson doesn’t have any plans of betraying Estrada. Doesn’t Erap trust Lacson anymore? If so, why?

If ever Lacson’s suspense-filled privilege speech this coming Monday will reveal more facts about Estrada’s true character (i.e., bad ones), why didn’t he say it earlier?

Both Estrada and Lacson are under fire due to Cézar Mancáo’s testimonies regarding the Dacer-Corbito Double Murder Case. Pulling each other down will not do both of them any good. For sure, Arroyo is laughing her head off in some cozy Malacañang bedroom that should’ve never been hers in the first place.

The opposition, if it really seeks national unity, should first unite themselves and put both Erap and Lacson (and Noynoy Aquino III) on an emergency meeting. They should also discuss if this issue is all about the opposition, the administration, or the nation.

Who are these people putting in peril? The economically starved populace, of course. Juan de la Cruz is always at the receiving end of useless political clouts and bickerings. Does he deserve this?

Since he doesn’t know his national identity, sadly, I think he does…

Mar Roxas III & Noynoy Aquino III: the 'THIRD' Party!

In a shocking development, Senator Mar Roxas III announced that he’s backing out from the presidential race to support fellow Liberal Party member Noynoy Aquino III. The announcement was made yesterday during a conference held at the historic Club Filipino (were Noynoy’s mom Corazón Aquino took her oath as President of the Philippines way back in 1986):

“Today I am announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for president in 2010,” Roxas told Liberal Party members and supporters.

“Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership,” he said. “I do this (step aside) for unity in support of change and that means that somebody must make a sacrifice. It must be me.”

The two “Thirds” (they both share ‘III’ at the end of their respective last names) are a force to reckon with, perhaps the perfect tandem to possibly halt ousted President Joseph Estrada’s plans of backing out from the most anticipated presidential election in recent history.

Erap has been vocal these past few weeks, saying that the only reason for him not to run for the presidency is when the opposition fields only a single candidate.

As of this writing, Makati Mayor Jejomar Bínay and Senator Manuel Villar, both from the opposition, are yet to make a final statement whether or not they would support Noynoy or still pursue their political ambitions. But Erap said that he’ll still woo other presidentiables from the opposition to unite and fight whoever Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will anoint.

It will be remembered that in the 2004 presidential elections, the massive electorate who sided with the opposition were divided between Pánfilo “Ping” Lacson and legendary icon (Erap’s bestfriend) Fernando Poe, Jr. Both were well-loved and supported by the masses. But since the votes were divided between the two of them, the results proved to be disastrous: Ping ended up second to FPJ’s votes while the latter was blatantly cheated all the way to high heavens.

Noynoy is still hesitant whether or not he should run. But with Mar Roxas’ stirring announcement (quite possibly he’ll run as Noynoy’s Vice President), that could possibly be the nail in the coffin for Noynoy’s decision-making. Besides, Mar has already spent millions of pesos with all those television advertisement of his. It’s not that easy to back out from the presidency especially when millions have already been spent, and Noynoy knows this. Besides, with the recent passing of her “icon of democracy” mom (not to mention the recent Ninoy Aquino holiday last August 21), this is the perfect time for him to ride on the heels of the so-called “Cory Magic”. It’s back, still fresh, still strong, still sporting the bright yellow in the minds of the populace. All he has to do is to keep it burning, to keep the momentum going.

Hopefully this time, the opposition will learn from mistakes of the past. It’s still September — plenty of time to THINK.

Who else will join the Third Party?

There was a time when real men were kings in Philippine cinema.

Of course, there was the undisputed King of Philippine movies – the inimitable Fernando Poe Jr.   Beginning his career alongside the likes of Joseph Estrada (when he was more gutsy than gut),  he would effectively become the godfather of a great majority of two-fisted he-man action leads that would dominate Pinoy cinema and give it the needed relish in an increasingly globalised movie market.  There was Rudy Fernandez (God bless his soul), Lito Lapid and even Dante Varona.

Soooo much for politics…here, erstwhile GMA opponent FPJ joins hands with GMA’s Pampanga standard-bearer Lito Lapid in Kalibre .45

The three Lapid brothers in action in Tatlong Baraha – put all the stock characters in Western drag, presto, instant cowboy movie!!!

Not to mention Weng-Weng, the dimunitive dynamite with the inexplicable cult status among certain discerning devotees of exotic international cinema.

Weng Weng kickin’ arse like it was goin’ outta style!!!

Here are excerpts from an article from PEP contributor Elyas Isabelo Salanga:

THE USUAL PLOT

It’s either Revenge or seeking justice and fighting for what is right.

Case in point: A retired or former policeman (the protagonist) lives a quiet and simple life. Suddenly, a leading lady enters the scene. Unfortunately for the good guy, the leading lady attracts not only the hero but the bad guys as well.

Typical setting—a club, a KTV bar, or a sari-sari store. The bad guys, or goons if you prefer, start harassing the beautiful, sexy leading lady. The protagonist jumps in and starts taking them out one by one (which is odd, by the way, since the goons were practically waiting in line to get their butts kicked even though they outnumber the good guy, 10 to 1).

This first action sequence is important; it showcases the protagonist’s hand-to-hand fighting style. After the incident, the leading lady falls head over heels for the good guy and the goons report this uber man to their boss.

After the top bad guy receives the news, he proceeds to deliver a message to the good guy’s home by peppering it with bullets, killing his father or mother.

The good guy cries in the rain (rain adds more drama) and vows revenge. The newfound girlfriend will talk to, or even beg, to discard vengeful thoughts.

After readying themselves, the good guy and leading lady then carry on to the bad guy’s lair and finish them all! Hurrah!

WHAT MAKES THESE MOVIES CLICHÉ

Now that we’re aware of the plot, let’s proceed to the main ingredients of these action films by pointing out the attributes of each and every one of them. Let’s start out with the Bida.

Bida. This is the main character of the movie so it’s imperative that HE should not die (Filipinos love happy endings and it can pave the way for a sequel). The looks of this character should be good-looking and can carry a cool swagger. The character also has to be polite but should be wisecracker as well (for those comedy moments).

Whether from the army/police or not, the man knows how to use guns and by Jove, he can use it with effectiveness as if each bullet can home by itself to its enemies.

Even if the good guy is outnumbered 100 to 1, he still manages to kill everyone (and with style!) in just 6 minutes or less. Thanks to his trusty .45, he downs every goon with precision that can leave real-life snipers awestruck. The character’s handgun should also be special because it’s the only gun in the world that can blow up cars, nipa huts, and trees.

The bad guys, armed with rifles, grenades, and rocket launchers, fail to get bead on the good guy. Even at close range, they hit nothing but dirt. If they however, manage to wound the character, it should be in the arm (preferably on the left because a lot of action stars are right-handed).

The Leading Lady. Leading ladies should come out of a men’s magazine. They should also provide a kind of loving warmth to the bida once he experiences his “lost loved one” phase. If the bida is hurt, she provides the first aid. The leading lady should also know how to shoot a gun. If not, then provide the bida with a gun or two.

The leading lady, more often than not, is usually the reason why the bida got into the bad guy’s hair. Then she will plead to the bida not to go into battle with the bad guys. In some cases, the leading lady will fight alongside the bida.

By the end of the movie, they kiss and walk away.

Don’t forget the sidekick. Adding a sidekick to the movie isn’t exactly a requirement, but they add bonuses to the movie. Here are some:

1. They provide laughs
2. They function as support gun slingers, just in case
3. They help the bida get the leading lady
4. At times, die in order for the bida to get fired up!

Kontrabida’s Rule of Thumb. The antagonist of the movie should be an older guy; he’s rich, so he can afford to hire goons. He should also be ugly of scary-looking, if not, should have a violent temper (anything just to give the leading lady a reason to despise him). Since he’s rich, the kontrabida should be a gambler, or heavy smoker, or drinker. These vices add that “I’m very bad” look to his aura.

The kontrabida is also a loving father as he calls his goons “mga bata.” He provides them with enough gear to start a small war. His fashion sense is notable that in even in midday, he and his goons still wear leather jackets.

He also lives in a big house, but usually, he settles in an old warehouse, where the final shootout scene would happen.

The kontrabida comes out to play after all his goons are dead. Fortunately, he has this ability to seriously wound the bida. In hiding, they both find out that they’re at their last ammo clip—which should lead to an exchange of pleasantries between the two of them:

“Dudurugin kita!…..”

“Ipaghihiganti ko tatay/nanay/kuya/ate ko!….”

THE POLICE! Who wouldn’t remember the climatic “Huli na ang lahat, no!” grand entrance of the cops? It never fails. They always come in after the firefight.

In the commotion, they arrest every person in sight except the bida (shouldn’t the bida also be brought in for questioning as well?). Anyway, they’re a great addition to the final scene as the bida and company walk away and the credits go up.

Now what have you got?  Gaggles of girlie-men (often with half-foreign bloodlines) who obviously can be wrapped around the fingers of their female on-screen partners.    Sure they can dance up a storm and croon like Usher on cue,  but can they handle a gun without going all sweaty?  Can an  Am-boy like Gerald Anderson be cast in the true-to-life story of a NPA cadre in training?

Let’s see MMFF Best Actress honoree Anne Curtis or even small-screen teen queen Marian Rivera pull off a character like the titular one in Chocolate

from Ong-Bak helmer Prachya Pinkaew (who should be commended for not being sucked in easily to the Hollywood vortex)

Heck, you’ve even got Robin Padilla, the sneering “Bad Boy” of Philippine Cinema and apparently one of the last remaining action stars in the current biz, slumming it on series TV!!!   Well, I’d for one am looking forward to the day when he can literally flex his muscle and show his fighting skills in a 300-style historical epic (complete w/ copious blood flow and body count)

Trailer for the little-seen Rumble Boy, a rip-off of yet another rip-off (Torque=The Fast & the Furious????) starring trust-funder and onetime Melanie Marquez “husbandry” Derek Dee alongside local comic duo Maverick & Ariel as well as visiting Czech porn star Kyla Cole

Has it gone to this???

Could it be that way simply because all that Philippine cinema circa 2009 can offer nowadays is a greatly reduced variety plate?  There was a time was when you can choose between an Lito Lapid actioner, a comedy flick starring Dolphy or Tito, Vic and Joey and a smorgasbord offering featuring the freshest faces from the Regal stable.   Now you get a couple of  sappy love stories (often with plots and shots lifted from a variety of Koreanovelas/ Chinovelas) punctuated with a cheap-thrills horror flick (you can tell by the pseudo-”grimy” and “jittery” camera shots, the excessively aspirated narration, the screams turned up to 11)

Can you blame the MTRCB (Armida Siguion-Reyna, pleeeeease come back!!!) and its increasing irrelevance – whether by messing around with films that should really be for “adults only” or the outright outlawing of scripts “supposedly” glorifying criminal elements?  Or film studios, already driven up the wall by excessive taxes and heightened competition from Hollywood blockbusters?

Sure, you can enlighten us that the cinemas of our Asian neighbours are similarly going through these same symptoms – whether it be Korea’s reliance on “do-it-all” stars or India’s (aka Bollywood) stubborn refusal to shake off some of its tired cliches.   But why do we literally see so much more variety in their releases than ours?

When can a script be turned out that doesn’t rely on any previously filmed/adapted material…one that inspires as well as challenges one’s identity as a Filipino in the global community?  When can we turn out an action star that we can proudly claim as our own – alongside Thailand’s Tony Jaa and Hong Kong’s Jacky Chan?

When can the real two-fisted men stand up and take back the silver screen from these emasculated ASAP/SOP noontime-show hordes….

movies

fernando poe jr., FPJ  or to his fanss “Da King” died four years ago. he was the considered as the King Of Philippine movies. an FPJ movie was a sure hit and would be remembered for years after and even across generations. but when he died, he was know for much more than that.

but when Da King died on december 14, 2004 at 12:15 am, he was know for something much more than his movies. he died as the man who challenged president gloria macapagal arroyo in the 2004 presidential election.

not only did he run for president, he thought he won the election and so did not only his fans but the masa as well. he filed an election protest but his life was cut short before a final decision was made on his election protest.

like all other media, the philippine daily inquirer was on a hospital watch for Da King. PDI printed their december 14, 2004 edition like all other days. but something happened. and this is what PDI did that is next in WAWAM!

read it here: http://the-wawam-file.blogspot.com/search/label/fernando%20poe%20jr.

fernando poe jr., FPJ  or to his fanss “Da King” died four years ago. he was the considered as the King Of Philippine movies. an FPJ movie was a sure hit and would be remembered for years after and even across generations. but when he died, he was know for much more than that.

but when Da King died on december 14, 2004 at 12:15 am, he was know for something much more than his movies. he died as the man who challenged president gloria macapagal arroyo in the 2004 presidential election.

not only did he run for president, he thought he won the election and so did not only his fans but the masa as well. he filed an election protest but his life was cut short before a final decision was made on his election protest.

like all other media, the philippine daily inquirer was on a hospital watch for Da King. PDI printed their december 14, 2004 edition like all other days. but something happened. and this is what PDI did that is next in WAWAM! read it here: http://the-wawam-file.blogspot.com/

You are looking at a quiet moment on the set of the FPJ documentary aired late last year. Fernando Poe Jr. is a rare kind of man. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I did vote for him (because I voted for someone else!), but I wouldn’t hesitate to say that my one vote didn’t count because he did win anyway…except some bitch stole the crown from him.

Newspaper Headlines From the Independent State of Mindanao, Year 2028

Al Haj Murad seeks fresh term as Mindanao president,
Christian minority calls for boycott of polls

* * *

New government inaugurates police and military camps in Cotabato;
Osama Bin Laden is guest speaker

* * *

Commander Bravo sworn in as new chief of the Armed Forces of Mindanao

* * *

Abu Sayyaf Party wins big in local elections

* * *

Murad ignores pleas to release Piñol, 14 other political prisoners

* * *

President Escudero vows to block Mindanao’s bid for Asean membership

* * *

Fundamentalist cleric renews call to reclaim Sabah, invade Manila

* * *

Didagen Dilangalen named new Mindanao envoy to the Philippines

* * *

Suicide bomber attacks Lanao public market, suspect identified as Catholic

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December 25 declared as a special working day, Christians cry foul

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Ailing Joma Sison hits Malacañang, to seek asylum in Mindanao instead

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Mindanao adopts “kudarat” as new currency unit

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Government issues list of new national symbols:
Durian is national fruit; tuna, nat’l fish; airsoft, nat’l sport and Fernando Poe Jr., national hero

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Nokia unveils latest cell phone unit, new feature can detonate 10 bombs simultaneously

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RP-Mindanao Friendly Games seen to ease tension between the two states

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Maranao lass is 1st ever Bb. Mindanao, eyes Miss Universe 2029 title

Parang pamilyar ang dating…

Masdan mo ang mag-amang Joey & Keempee de Leon bilang Batman at Robin…pati ang mga sumakabilang buhay na sina Rene Requiestas bilang Joker at Panchito bilang Penguin.

Grabeeee sa kwela nito!!

Pinoy humor

I was not home when the results of the May 2004 were processed and ‘legitimized’ with the shadow of doubt whether the vox populi was actually heard.  More particularly it was bothering that this cloud of uncertainty would hang over the country at an opportune time when pro-poor reform was (and remains to be) badly needed.  I decided to write this on my own 3 years ago to sublimate my rage at so many alleged attempts to hide the truth from the electorate.  A Japanese university asked me to expound on the paper but I had no more time and motivation to pursue this issue further from where I was.  It seemed too that the major decision makers of society were contented with the ‘official’ results…official meaning it came from the government’.  Final results may also be appropriate, — in that finally let us stop working on this.  True results?…you are pushing your luck.  I am publishing this on the web since it may have been brought back into context by the slow count of the May 2007 elections, which as of now has yet to be concluded.  Read on.